Irregular surface playing board and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A playing board for sliding body games, such as curling and shuffleboard, is herein disclosed. The playing board is formed with irregular surfaces and asymmetrical sides to increase the complexity of the games played on the board. In certain embodiments, various configurations of peaks and valleys can be incorporated that influence a direction, speed, or both of a sliding body that is travelling on the playing board.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/198,629, filed Oct. 30, 2020, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to games and, more particularly, to an amusement game of sliding bodies over an irregular surface playing board.

The skillset needed to compete in sliding body games (such as shuffleboard and curling, which have flat, horizontal playing surfaces that are symmetrical on both playing sides) are limited to the forces applied on the sliding body and friction exerted by the flat, horizontal playing surface. This binary condition makes these games boring because the result is highly predictable, repeatable, and similar from board to board. Because of the lack of variability in the playing surfaces, player skill and excitement is limited.

The current field of table games involving sliding bodies does not allow the playing surface to influence player success. To this point, a good player will likely have success regardless of the surface upon which the game is played. Consistency of playing surface eliminates the opportunity for skilled players to demonstrate the application of experience and creative interpretation of the effects of a unique playing surface on their success. A familiar example of this condition is the variability of putting greens on golf courses and the need for competitors to read the greens. Furthermore, because opposite ends of the playing surfaces/boards have the same configuration, opposing players/teams do not need to adopt differing strategies to play from opposite ends of the board.

As can be seen, there is a need for a sliding bodies table game that integrates an irregular, asymmetrical playing surface to alleviate these aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a playing board configured for sliding one or more sliding bodies thereon, the playing board comprising a playing surface that defines: a first playing surface section on a first half of the playing board, the first playing surface section comprising at least one peak or valley configured to alter a direction of travel or speed of the one or more sliding bodies (it will be appreciated that they may also alter a direction of travel and speed simultaneously); and a second playing surface section on a second half of the playing board, the second playing surface section being asymmetrical to the first playing surface section.

In another aspect of the present invention, a sliding bodies game system comprising: one or more sliding bodies; a playing board configured for sliding the one or more sliding bodies thereon, the playing board comprising a playing surface that defines: a first playing surface section on a first half of the playing board, the first playing surface section comprising at least one peak or valley configured to alter a direction of travel or speed of the one or more sliding bodies (it will be appreciated that they may also alter a direction of travel and speed simultaneously); and a second playing surface section on a second half of the playing board, the second playing surface section being asymmetrical to the first playing surface section.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention, with a play box removed for clarity;

FIG. 3 is a section view of the embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a right-side view of the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a section view of the embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a section view of the embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a section view of the embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a section view of the invention, taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a section view of the embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a section view of the embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 12 is a section view of the embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject disclosure is described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure such that one skilled in the art will be enabled to make and use the present invention. It may be evident, however, that the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a playing board comprising a first side (e.g., a first playing surface section on a first half thereof) and a second side (e.g., a second playing surface section on a second half thereof), with the first playing surface section being different from the second playing surface. For example, the first playing surface section can include at least one peak or valley that alters a direction of travel and/or a speed of one or more sliding bodies (that slide on the playing board). The design of the playing board is such that the first playing surface section is asymmetric compared to the second playing surface section, i.e., their designs vary relative to one another. This results in different forces being applied to the sliding bodies based upon which side is being played upon and exactly where the sliding body is slid (e.g., sliding the sliding body at a particular starting point will result in a different trajectory than trajectories at different lateral starting points on the playing board).

In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, by creating and using an undulating, irregular playing surface with asymmetrical, randomly placed convex peaks and concave valleys (i.e., they are not the same on opposing sides of the playing surface and the hills/valleys may vary across the width of the surface as well), a player must consider the influence the surface shape will have upon the sliding body. Adding this new condition to speed, spin and direction adds difficulty and excitement to the game. Specifically, a player must account for the variable gravitational forces imparted on the sliding body by the irregular surface in order to successfully score.

As described above, prior to the present invention, table games of sliding bodies were played upon a uniform consistent surface. The present invention adds an additional variable to the game, increasing the skills required to be successful. Introducing an inconsistent, undulating, irregular playing surface to a game of sliding bodies creates the opportunity for players to demonstrate superior skill and a heightened understanding of the behavior of sliding bodies.

In order to properly practice the present invention, an irregular playing surface, at least one goal within a scoring zone at either end of the playing surface, and at least one sliding body per player should be provided. Optionally, multiple goals may be placed on the surface and goals may be assigned differing point values. Furthermore, players may be given multiple sliding bodies to play with (rather than a single sliding body).

Referring now to FIG. 1, a board 10 includes a playing surface 12 and may be contained within a play box 20. As demonstrated by the various section and side views illustrated in FIGS. 3-12, the playing surface 12 (which includes scoring zones 14) is irregularly and asymmetrically formed, resulting in a plurality of varying peaks (i.e., raised portions relative to adjacent sections of the playing surface 12) and valleys (i.e., lowered/recessed portions relative to adjacent sections of the playing surface 12) along length and width directions of the playing surface 12. This creates different playing surfaces for each team/player to have to account for (on respective halves of the playing surface 12, generally defining first and second playing surface sections of the playing surface 12), adding to the complexity and fun of the game. Each longitudinal end of the playing surface 12 includes at least one goal 15 within a scoring zone 14 (which may be marked or otherwise indicated on the playing surface 12) at which players attempt to propel a sliding body 18, such as a puck. Scoring zones 14 may take the form of a general region in which the sliding body 18 must stop and may be embodied as relatively flat surfaces (so that a sliding body 18 is capable of stopping therewithin). The object is to have the sliding body 18 come to rest as close to the goal 15 as possible.

In use, players (also synonymous with “competitor”) may take turns propelling sliding bodies 18 across the playing surface 12 toward the goal 15 at the opposite end of the playing surface 12. In certain embodiments, the competitor whose sliding body 18 comes to rest closest to the goal 15 scores. As shown in FIG. 2, sliding bodies 18 must come to a rest within the scoring zone 14 to be eligible for scoring (see the two sliding bodies 18 disposed in the scoring zones 14 while two are disposed outside the zone 14).

As would be readily apparent to those with skill in the art, various strategies may be employed by players. As players alternate shots, the next player must decide whether to take an offensive approach (i.e., try to score) or a defensive approach (i.e., prevent the opponent from scoring). The defensive choice is either knocking the opponent's sliding body 18 out of scoring position or blocking their own bodies from the opponent. Methods of using the present invention may also include the following.

If playing one-on-one, players would move from one end of the board to the other, alternating play. If teams play against one another, same team members position themselves on opposite ends of the board. Competitors slide their bodies in alternating shots from the same end. Positioned at one end of the playing surface 12, a competitor slides a body across the surface, letting go and allowing momentum to carry the body 18 down the playing surface 12 toward the goal 15 at the other end. The object is to apply the proper force and direction to the body 18, accounting for the influence of the irregular surface, to cause the body 18 to come to rest as close to the goal 15 as possible. The opposing player repeats the same process. Players may alternate shots depending on how many sliding bodies 18 are available to each player. If a competitor has a good shot and is in scoring position, the other competitor may, for example, try to hit their sliding body, knocking it out of scoring positon. If the second player is unsuccessful knocking the first player out of scoring position, the first playing might try to position a “blocker” between the current scoring body and the players shooting, much like curling and traditional shuffleboard.

A method of making the present invention may include the following. After choosing a sculptable or otherwise formable material (such as, but not limited to, wood), multiple depressions, mounds and valleys are formed (such as by carving) into the board 10 to form a playing surface 12. Sand and/or polish may be used to make the surface as smooth and frictionless as possible to create a unique, irregular surface. Finally, at least one goal 15 should be marked within the scoring zone 14 at either end of the playing surface. Other methods of making the present invention including molding the board 10 by forming with fiberglass, or steam bending plywood. In certain embodiments, the playing surface 12 may be approximately 18 inches wide and 72 inches long, while also being asymmetrical across its length and width, making play from both ends unique.

Further, the following description (beneath heading “EXAMPLE”) provides an exemplary method a forming a playing surface 12 in accordance with the present invention. It will be appreciated by a person with skill in the art that the following is exemplary (i.e., one way to practice the invention) and the dimensions/shape of the playing surface (1) may be modified while staying in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Example

One object of the present invention is to create a playing surface 12 in which topographical variations in the surface 12 impart gravitational influence, in terms of both speed and direction, on the sliding body 18. The playing surface 12 is created using a moldable or sculptable material. In certain embodiments (such as the one described in this example), minimum dimensions may be provided as approximately 8 feet (2.4 m) long, 16 inch (in) (40.6 centimeters (cm)) wide, 6 in. (15.2 cm) tall. Note: longer surfaces will need to be deeper to accommodate topography, e.g., approximately a 1:16 thickness to length ratio.

Initially, the maker should create a longitudinal curve with its peak favoring one end, and trough favoring the other end, to make the curve asymmetrical across the surface length. The chord length of the peak or trough of the longitudinal curve should be approximately ⅓ the playing surface length. For example, if the playing surface is 8 feet (96 in, 2.4 m), the chord length of the peak curve may be approximately 32 in (81.2 cm).

96 in./3=32 in.

The height (peak) or depth (trough) of the curve should be approximately 1/12 the length of the chord.

32 in./12=2.67 in.

Relatively flat surfaces may be created at the far ends of the surface, beginning, for example, approximately 15 to 18 in (38 to 45.7 cm) from the end of the board. These areas may be used as the scoring zones 14 of the playing surface. The longitudinal curve will influence the sliding bodies' speed from end to end, whether ascending or descending the peak/trough. This will force subtle changes in the forces applied to the sliding body 18, depending on which end one is playing. A longitudinal curve influences the speed of the sliding body 18 as it travels down the length of the playing surface.

The maker may then create a plurality (such as 2-3) of concave or convex features, randomly placed, on each half of the playing surface. Typically, these features should be approximately 8 in (20.3 cm) in width, plus or minus 2 in (5 cm), i.e., approximately 6-10 inches in width. All features, including the longitudinal curve, should preferably have approximately 12-18% slope. This can generally be achieved if half the width of the feature is 6 to 8 times the depth (concave) or height (convex). For example, an 8 in (20.3 cm) feature will be 0.5 in (1.3 cm) to 0.7 in (1.8 cm) deep.

0.5/(8/2)=0.125; 0.7/(8/2)=0.175 or 12.5 to 17.5% slope

These smaller topographic features create transverse variation across the playing surface and cause slight directional changes in the sliding bodies' paths. Players must account for these directional changes in their attempt to get the sliding body 18 as close to the goal 15 as possible, i.e., concave and convex features cause variations in direction of the sliding body 18 as it moves down the playing surface 12 of the board 10.

Scoring goals 15, in the form of 1 in (2.5 cm) circles drawn on the surface, should be placed in each scoring zone 14. The sliding body may be circular and approximately 2-2.5 in. (5-6.35 cm) in diameter, flat bottomed and approximately 12 oz (340 gm). The 12-18% slope of the various topographic features on the playing surface will cause subtle influence on the sliding body relative to speed and direction, increasing the skills needed for successful play, but won't render the game too difficult.

As mentioned above, the dimensions of the topographic features described are intended to be non-specific, but within an acceptable range. Random variability from playing surface to surface is by design and adds interest to the game, requiring players to interpret each playing surface independently.

While one or more preferred embodiments are disclosed, many other implementations will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art and are all within the scope of the invention. Each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with other described embodiments in order to provide multiple features. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Other arrangements, methods, modifications, and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are therefore also considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the claims that follow.

While apparatuses and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the apparatuses and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values.

Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the elements that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted. Moreover, the use of directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, and the like are used in relation to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in the figures, the upward or upper direction being toward the top of the corresponding figure and the downward or lower direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figure.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A playing board configured for sliding one or more sliding bodies thereon, the playing board comprising a playing surface that defines: a first playing surface section on a first half of the playing board, the first playing surface section comprising at least one peak or valley configured to alter a direction of travel or speed of the one or more sliding bodies; and a second playing surface section on a second half of the playing board, the second playing surface section being asymmetrical to the first playing surface section.
 2. The playing board of claim 1, wherein the first playing surface section comprises at least one peak and at least one valley.
 3. The playing board of claim 2, wherein the second playing surface section comprises at least one peak and at least one valley, with the at least one peak and the at least one valley of the first playing surface section both being situated asymmetrically relative to the at least one peak and the at least one valley of the second playing surface section.
 4. The playing board of claim 1, wherein the second playing surface section comprises at least one peak or valley.
 5. The playing board of claim 1, wherein the first playing surface section comprises a first scoring zone proximal a first end of the playing board, and wherein the second playing surface section comprises a second scoring zone proximal a second end of the playing board, with the first scoring zone and the second scoring zone being substantially flat.
 6. The playing board of claim 5, further comprising a first goal situated within the first scoring zone and a second goal situated within the second scoring zone.
 7. The playing board of claim 1, further comprising a thickness to length ratio of approximately 1:16.
 8. The playing board of claim 1, wherein the at least one peak or valley has a width that is between approximately twelve to sixteen times a height or depth thereof.
 9. A sliding bodies game system comprising: one or more sliding bodies; a playing board configured for sliding the one or more sliding bodies thereon, the playing board comprising a playing surface that defines: a first playing surface section on a first half of the playing board, the first playing surface section comprising at least one peak or valley configured to alter a direction of travel or speed of the one or more sliding bodies; and a second playing surface section on a second half of the playing board, the second playing surface section being asymmetrical to the first playing surface section.
 10. The sliding bodies game system of claim 9, wherein the first playing surface section comprises a first scoring zone proximal a first end of the playing board, and wherein the second playing surface section comprises a second scoring zone proximal a second end of the playing board, with the first scoring zone and the second scoring zone being substantially flat and being configured to receive the one or more sliding bodies. 